Lions

Have you ever been in the presence of a lion? My only experience, admittedly, is at the zoo. I can tell you, though, that I have heard their roars from the main gate. I didn’t have to be nearby to appreciate the strength of that roar!

But when I did make it to their exhibit, my appreciation for their strength increased substantially. When they run toward the glass, I question if it has actually been tested to withstand the charge. Would it hold? Then with the glass firmly in place, standing nose to nose with that mighty beast, my entire inner core vibrated at the sound of that roar. It shook me from the outside in. 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

I can only imagine what it would be like to face a roaring lion without the glass between us. To have the full strength of the roar, the heat of his breath, full in my face. Would I be able to stand?

…and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13b

Spiritually speaking, we face lions – or the threat of lions – each day. We hear them roar from far off; warning us that they are present. We might even be able to see them from our vantage point as they pace back and forth, always facing us, intimidating us with their power.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
John 10:10a

Some days, though, they are right in front of us…and we know the reality of the threat they present…and it shakes us from the inside out. From inside our soul, our mind, our heart. It threatens – questions – everything we’ve known to be true.

Therefore put on the full armor of God,
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,
Ephesians 6:13a

Our King is the Lion of Judah. The One with true authority and all power. Our King has equipped us and given instruction on how to stand our ground, the ground that our Father has given to us, when threatened. Our King does not back down and, as his sons and daughters, neither do we.

I have come that they may life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

Our Father has gone to great lengths, great sacrifice, to give us life. We have the security of knowing that he is with us in the battle. When the breath of the lion in front of us is hot on our face, we know the strength of the Lion behind us is far greater and will not be defeated.

You are adored.